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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Form A Sustainable Retreat Amid Iceland's Landscape

Authors:
Illia But, Mykyta Dziuba
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Form A Sustainable Retreat Amid Iceland's Landscape

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the structure integrates seamlessly into Iceland's volcanic landscape, offering a unique space for wellness and communal activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a central lightwell that extends 16 meters into the building for natural illumination.
04
Design includes accessible terraces connecting all floors, promoting outdoor interaction.
05
Therapeutic beer baths designed to reflect Iceland's volcanic landscape.

## Project Overview
Located in Iceland, the structure emphasizes a thoughtful relationship between the built environment and the surrounding volcanic landscape. The design reflects geological features and aims to enhance the sensory experience for its users by incorporating innovative architectural elements that respond to the natural environment.

### Spatial Organization
The project features a three-level layout, each selected for distinct functions:
- **Basement**: This level houses a brewery and souvenir shop, fostering community interaction through organic forms that create a welcoming atmosphere.
- **First Floor**: Dedicated to wellness amenities, this floor includes personal lockers, changing areas, and treatment rooms designed with privacy in mind.
- **Second Floor**: A more communal space, it contains a lounge and a beer-tasting bar, with a layout that promotes flow and interconnection between areas.

### Material Selection
A diverse range of materials has been utilized to strengthen the structural identity and usability of the building:
- **Wood**: Chosen for its sustainability and aesthetic harmony with the environment.
- **Concrete and Metal**: Structural elements are incorporated in the basement and main columns to ensure stability.
- **Glass**: Used extensively in the lightwell, it enhances natural illumination and contributes to the overall visual conception of the space.

This thoughtful choice of materials not only supports the structural integrity but also reflects the natural surroundings, reinforcing a sense of place.

### Distinctive Features
Key architectural elements enhance the overall experience:
- **Lightwell**: Descending 16 meters, this central feature brings natural light into all levels and creates dynamic shading that alters the atmosphere throughout the day.
- **Terraces**: Accessible from various floors, these outdoor spaces provide expansive views and encourage social gatherings, reinforcing the connection to nature.
- **Inclusive Bathing Facilities**: Inspired by volcanic formations, the beer bath tubs are designed to accommodate visitors with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive experience for all.

The design ultimately combines aesthetic and functional intentions, creating a space that promotes interaction, wellness, and a deeper connection with the Icelandic landscape.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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